Frank Stella

Since the 1980s, no French museum has presented such a comprehensive retrospective of the major work of American artist Frank Stella (1936–2024). Starting from three large-scale paintings held in the MAMC+ collection, the exhibition unfolds across nearly 1,000 m², offering an overview of the research pursued since the 1950s by the artist, who continually renewed the language of abstraction.

Revealing to French audiences the scope and evolution of his work, the exhibition brings together painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and architecture. The first section of the exhibition sheds new light on the artist’s early years, his formative context, and his networks of learning and friendship. The second focuses on the specific reception of his work in France.

The exhibition creates a dialogue between the MAMC+ collection of American art and those of numerous institutions, notably the rich holdings of the Addison Gallery of American Art in Andover, where Frank Stella received his initial training.

Artists : Carl Andre, Larry Bell, Hollis Frampton, Hans Hofmann, Donald Judd, Vassily Kandinsky, Ellsworth Kelly, Yves Klein, Franz Kline, Agnès Martin, Maud Morgan, Patrick Morgan, Kenneth Noland, Mark Rothko, Frank Stella.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States this year, the Musée d’art moderne et contemporain de Saint-Étienne Métropole (MAMC+) will present an exceptional American season highlighting its landmark collection, with the support of the FRAME network (French American Museum Exchange).